DHAKA, Bangladesh – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has questioned the rise in food prices, citing increased domestic production.
She believes there is a plot to drive up prices and then blame the government for the increases.
Speaking at a gathering in Dhaka on Friday, the premier ordered the identification and prosecution of “businesses that manipulate prices and then blame the government for price increases.”
The discussion was held to remember four national leaders – Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, AHM Qamaruzzaman, and M Mansur Ali – who were assassinated in Dhaka jail on November 3, 1975, following the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
However, Hasina’s speech focused on the current political situation and economy in the context of the BNP’s anti-government campaign ahead of the general election.
Concerning price increases, she stated, “People who hoard products to pickpocket the public must be identified.”
“Everything has increased in production, including fish, meat, vegetables, and rice.” So why should there be a supply shortage?”
“People who speak against the government after raising prices by hoarding goods must face action.”
Hasina attempted to undermine the BNP’s blockade campaigns to destabilize her government. She claimed that the party’s similar movement, which included deadly bus firebombings, failed during and after the 2014 election.
She stated that the people stopped the BNP then and urged them to do so again.
